Finding big feelings in tiny poems

NEW and experienced poets alike are invited to explore the power of small words and big emotions at a special Tiny Poetry for Big Feelings workshop at Heathcote Library.

Led by poets Amanda Collins and Dave Munro, the session will unpack how tiny poems shape everyday moments – from birthday cards and condolences to social media posts and speeches – and show participants how to create their own.

Rather than reaching for Hallmark cards or ready-made quotes, Collins and Munro will guide attendees through writing and sharing their own short works.

Central to the workshop are what the pair call “poetry push-ups”: playful, practical exercises designed to stretch language, shift meaning and help writers express what matters.

“We all rely on tiny poems to help us remember, offer condolences and wish people a happy birthday,” Collins said.

“In these days of billionaires and high-speed analysis, Dave and I are planning to take us back down to the basics of a tiny poem.

“We will take people through what we call poetry push-ups, where we get to write and share what we have written, if you want to.

“Everyone is welcome to the tiny poems workshop, from beginners to seasoned poets.”

Collins and Munro are well known in local literary circles.

Both were founding members of PizzaBoxPoets and have facilitated workshops at the library and the Bendigo Writers Festival.

Goldfields Libraries coordinator Elise Wright said the duo’s workshops consistently strike a chord.

“What I love about this program is how it empowers people,” she said.

“A tiny poem can carry big emotions, and this workshop helps participants see that they’re capable of crafting those moments themselves.

“In a time when it’s easy to lean on AI, cliche quotes, or ready-made phrases, there’s something really special about realising you already have the words within you to write your own.

“You just need to flex that muscle.”

Tiny Poetry for Big Feelings will be held on Saturday 21 February from 10-11.30am.

Bookings are essential via Eventbrite or by contacting Heathcote Library directly.